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Masta is part of the Harry Hall family and we're proud to work with a hanfdul of professional yards around the UK who test and provide honest feedback on our products. We'd like to introduce Esther and Hattie Horsfall, dressage riders and trainers, operating out of Shaw Farm Equestrian in Todmorden, Yorkshire. They have an exciting string of horses for 2019 that they have trained themselves from youngsters.

Rehoming Rosie

I saw on Twitter that Harry Hall were hosting an Access all Areas event at World Horse Welfare Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerset, and were giving away a limited number of tickets. Not usually someone that wins anything, I got a pair of tickets, so on a very warm day back in July, we headed off to Somerton for a day out that would, unbeknown to me then, change my life completely.

Christmas is a magical time but can be a “juggling act” trying to balance family, friends and horses. Harry Hall ambassador and full time worker Liz Langford has given us her pearls of wisdom:

 A Heartbreaking Decision

 Sometimes being an animal owner requires you to make tough decisions. Alison Hall, along with her young children Holly and Harry, faced the ultimate nightmare earlier in the year.

 “The hardest day of my life came when I had to break my children's hearts and let go of our much loved miniature Shetland Mooky.

Work Your Socks Off

Rosie and I meet huddled over a cup of coffee in a farmhouse kitchen in Yorkshire and I’m intrigued to find out how she ended up here after leaving Poland 10 years ago. “Well when a great opportunity comes about you take it right?” Carry on Rosie, I’m intrigued…

I remember pestering my parents endlessly for a pony until they finally caved and let me get my first pony Paddy at the age of 10. The deal was I had to look after him myself and from Paddy to my last horse Cotton, I’ve always put in the hours. Horses were my hobby, sport and life. I evented and competed in dressage at affiliated level and competitive riding was something I had always enjoyed. Having an aim and goal to work towards made the long hours with the horses worthwhile. 

The Stigma Associated with Equestrian Careers 

I could write a list as long as my arm on the uneducated comments I’ve heard and received in the years I’ve been working with and studying horses. Horses are my passion, hobby and career and I’m proud to work in the equine industry, if you’ve ever heard any of the below comments then this blog is for you!

Harry Hall spoke to World Horse Welfare Nick White about his role as a Field Officer for the charity:

I have been a field officer for eleven years, prior to that I did over thirty years in the Metropolitan police as a mounted officer, competitor, public order and equitation instructor, I also formed and ran the Equine crime unit. My job as a World Horse Welfare Field Officer involves investigating welfare concerns reported mainly through our welfare line and to check on World Horse Welfare horses rehomed through the Rehoming Scheme. I cover six counties including London and in addition to my daily duties I advise others, including the police, on matters such as straying horses on the road and the Control of Horses Act 2015. On a daily basis I investigate allegations of equine suffering and try to resolve instances of suffering by offering realistic solutions and advice to horse owners. In deliberate or repeated cases of neglect or cruelty I will work with other organisations to undertake a prosecution, this is usually as a last resort.

Harry Hall sponsored rider Emma Woolley describes how she’s re-thought some aspects of her horses’ training, and found a routine that keeps them happy in the heat 

Your chance to win a lesson with showing legend Robert Walker at his yard in Cheshire. 

We're giving one lucky winner the chance to win a riding lesson with showing legend Robert Walker, the lesson can focus on a topic of your choice from show turn out to ring craft. You must be able to travel to his base in Cheshire and bring your own horse to ride.

Harry Hall Ambassador Liz Langford competes in showing and dressage around a busy career. We caught up with her to find out how she balances work, life and riding!

Before I crack on, let me introduce myself, I’m Liz, am a farmer’s daughter from Herefordshire. I’ve been riding for over 40 years, having started when I was three. I guess you would class me as a keen amateur rider which is funded through my job as Equestrian Property Consultant at an Fox Grant Estate Agents. 

Wow, there can be no doubt that the summer of 2018 has been a hot one, with some areas across the UK seeing no rain fall for up to 55 days and with the highest recorded temperature (according to the Met office) peaking so far to 38.5 degrees. Following on from our recent blog about travelling in the heat we’re going to focus on the problem at the forefront of every horse owners mind – how to deal with the hard ground. Equine expert Sandie Chambers gives us her thoughts below: